New Issue of Munaluchi Bridal W/ First Ever Celebrity Cover

Munaluchi Bridal, the first African-inspired bridal magazine to launch nationally across the US as well as internationally, is adding a bit of culture to newsstands. Jacqueline Nwobu, Editor-in-Cheif was once a frustrated bride disappointed with the lack of women of color in bridal magazines. Nwobu turned her dissatisfaction into a thriving business. Since its start, Munaluchi bridal has put out two issues and is ready to release its third. Besides claiming its space on stands, the magazine has been featured on the CW/PIX 11 Morning News and the ABC6 Morning News among other press.

Munaluchi Bridal’s Spring/Summer 2011 issue will be available on newsstands and Target stores everywhere February 11, 2011. It is available online now at Munaluchibridal.com with Free Shipping when you use the code: FREESHIPPINGUS.

This third issue covers everything from dresses, reception decor, food, and a special look into real life weddings with Lala Vazquez as the first celebrity to be featured on the cover. “Munaluchi Bridal is rapidly evolving into a much needed resource for all women, whether engaged, single, hopeless romantics or just plain lovers of all things beautiful,” said Nwobu.

In this Issue:

A Conversation with Lala | page 42
With a decade of career success already under her belt, Lala Vazquez added the role of wife to her roster when she married her soul mate, Denver Nuggets superstar Carmelo Anthony. In our interview, Lala discusses motherhood, her next career moves and her new role as wife.

Beautybox | page 32
Stunning makeup tips for a fresh, luminous spring look, plus jewelry and accessories to get you glamorous for your big day.

Spotlight: Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier | page 52
Since 2002 Mark Ingram has owned one of the most chic and stylish bridal atelier’s in Manhattan. In this interview he talks about how he got his start in the bridal industry and also provides a few tips for the modern bride.

Making Frugal Fabulous | page 112
The “Budgetnista” dispels the popular myth that there can be no romance without finance. She breaks down four ways you can use a little creativity, communication and compromise to make frugal fabulous in your relationship.

Check out behind the scenes coverage of a recent Munaluchi bridal editorial photo shoot.

Munaluchi Bridal targets women of color, a severely untapped audience but the magazine is well received by all women, regardless of race and ethnicity which speaks volumes. Munaluchi is filling a void in the bridal market and does it beautifully by providing amazing photographs and content that is uniquely rich. There is inspiration in Jacqueline Nwobu’s story and her vision lends itself to beautiful women and their bridal planning world-wide. Preview and buy Munluchi Bridal now online.

If you are a writer or a publicist reading this post, contact Munaluchi Bridal to pitch content or get your client featured in future issues.

HOT New Peta Ads

NFL running back, Willis McGahee scores big by joining PETA’s “Ink, Not Mink” Campaign. McGahee shows off his skin in this PSA (public service announcement) to raise awareness about the cruelty of killing animals for their fur.  “Because animals who are killed for their fur endure tremendous pain and suffering, McGahee chooses “Ink, Not Mink” and encourages his fans to do the same,” said in a PETA article titled, Willis McGahee Chooses ‘Ink, Not Mink’.

McGahee isn’t the only one heating up PETA ads. Actress, Taraji P. Henson, also joined the cause.

Yet another celebrity rather go naked than wear fur and these ads are so spicy, I am sure everybody is begging PETA to keep them coming. Henson drops her clothes for PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign. Henson revealed she used to rock a fur with giving it a second thought until she saw a documentary that uncovered the process of killing and skinning animals on what is called, fur farms.

“Education is key,” stresses Henson. “When I realized what went into—not just, we’re not just even talking about a full-length fur coat, I’m talking about just, like, fur on your gloves or on your jacket … it ripped my heart out. And as humans, we have control.” Henson continues, “I don’t think a living being should suffer for the sake of fashion, period. End of story.“

I have always admired the PETA ad campaigns. The concepts behind the ads are simple but that is the beauty of the campaigns. There is a great sense of protest in the ads. I am looking forward to new catchy PETA campaigns.

GMPR Music Submission: Malice & Mario Sweet – “Speed of Light”

Married couple, Mario and Malice Sweet are vocalists for Seattle hip hop band, The Physics who recently began recording an EP titled “Happy 2 Year”. The EP is expected out in February and their first single “Speed of Light” is a delicious taste of what’s to come from the duo. I fell in love with the track as soon as I heard it and it seems like I was not the only one. Since it’s release, “Speed of Light”  has been featured in various publications, including The Seattle Times, The Stranger, The Seattle Weekly and KIRO MyNorthwest. It has also received consistent radio play (KEXP 90.3 fm) and has accumulated a substantial amount of downloads. This is the couple’s first solo venture outside of  The Physics. “We are super excited to share our sound with the world,” says Sweet. I share their excitement and I am so happy to bring “Speed of Light” to my readers. Listen below.

 

Malice & Mario Sweet – “Speed of Light”

The Floacist’s New Nude Video

Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart bares it all in her newest video for “Let Me”. After viewing this video, I thought to myself, “Why would an artist do such a raw video knowing it would not get played on television?” I was quickly reminded that one may reach a bigger audience on the internet due to the freedom of the World Wide Web. There are so many rules, restrictions and stipulations placed on television. If this video was to be created exclusively for television, the concept would have been  immediately tossed. The internet allows people to truly be expressive. I applaud Stewart for capitalizing on her internet freedom and not in a trashy way.

Your thoughts?

“Closet Freak” Single Cover Revealed

Straight From The A, a blog about all things Atlanta, recently posted the single cover for Lawrence Washington’s (Miss Lawrence) “Closet Freak” and I am so thankful. I have been waiting to chime in on Washington’s new music career for a while now.

For those of you who follow The Real Housewives of Atlanta, no introductions are needed. For those of you who don’t, Lawrence is the best-friend and hairstylist of housewife, Sheree Whitfield. Housewife, Kandi Burruss has taken some of his time away from the scissors and directed him to a mic. Burruss and Kandi Koated Entertainment presents Miss Lawrence.

Chiming in…Miss Lawrence’s talent, style, and charisma makes him the complete package as a recording artist. Although it should not matter, his sexuality is an added bonus. It was bold of Burruss to take on an artist that may have not been perceived well but she chose the best openly gay man for the job. Lawrence is confident in his lifestyle and doesn’t apologize for being who he is. Not to mention there are so many opportunities for marketing and publicity. Being an openly gay African-American recording artist  demands attention in itself so, promoting the music should be easy with careful planning and the right use of words.

I would say about 70% of recording artist today are all working inside the same box. So when someone outside the box steps on the scene it is like a breath of fresh air. Let’s just say, I am enjoying the fresh air.

Miss Lawrence’s “Closet Freak” will be available for download January 28th, 2011 on iTunes.

For now, check out an old performance of Miss Lawrence debuting his single.

Press Play: Mara Hruby

Fast-rising and star are two words that are being used heavily to describe 22-year-old artist, Mara Hruby. Oakland, CA native has been working hard to make a name for herself in the music industry since early 2010. Her hard work paid off and she is now releasing her debut EP, “From Her Eyes”. Mara has been working on this album for 9 months which was obviously time well spent because she has a major buzz currently surrounding her.

“From Her Eyes” is an EP of cover songs originally recorded by male artists with each song representing a moment in her life. She covers male artist Mos Def, Andre 3000, D’Angelo, Bob Marley and others.

Mara’s video for her first single off the EP, “Is This Love?”, recently surfaced the net. “Is This Love?” is a cover of the original Bob Marley song. The video was shot by Slick Jackson in NYC. All too often in videos we see the money, cars, diamonds and girls but this video feels real and there is nothing more real than the streets of NY and a beautiful voice. Check out “Is This Love?” below and right below that, press play to hear more from Mara Hruby.

More from Mara Hruby…

“The Panties”

“Lose Myself”

 

 

Bria Murphy, the New Face of Dark and Lovely

Bria Murphy, daughter of Eddie Murphy, is the new face and Global Brand Ambassador of SoftSheen-Carson’s Dark and Lovely line. The 21-year-old model and actress will be featured in print and television ads for a new Dark and Lovely relaxer kit, Healthy Gloss 5. “I am so proud to be part of a brand that celebrates the diversity of African American women and inspires them to be self-confident, glamorous and fun,” says Murphy. Dark and Lovely is one of leading hair care lines for African American women and they have a lot to be excited about. Hear all about it while you watch the campaign come to life below.

Rhianna Joins Beauty

The beauty industry is an industry that celebs seem to thrive in. A high profile celebrity plus a beauty product multiplied by female consumers looking to spend is a smart combination.

Singer Rhianna not only has the #1 album in the country but is also looking to make it big in beauty. Ri Ri will debut Reb’l Fleur, her very first fragrance, this February. Rhianna told people magazine her grandmother used to call her Rebel Flower, which is where the fragrance name came from.

A 1.7 oz bottle of Reb’l Fleur will be sold for $49.00. The fragrance’s promo ads hit the net recently and have spread like crazy. Rhianna has been super successful and her style has a lot to do with it. Who wouldn’t want a fragrance from her? With enough promotion and her continued success, I don’t see Ri Ri having any problem selling bottles.

Color on the Set: Gossip Girl

With a lack of diversity, Gossip Girls surprises us by hiring Tika Sumpter. Sumpter is a 33-year-old black actress who had a role on the soap opera One Life to Live and appeared in movies Salt and Stomp the Yard 2. Starting January 24, 2011, Sumpter will now take on the role as Raina, the daughter of Bart Bass’s former associate.

Although there is a lack of diversity on Gossip Girl, there is always enough drama and excitement to keep it’s viewers coming back week to week. I’m thinking Tika Sumpter will add a unique sense of excitement to the hit television show and Gossip Girl will reach an audience they may not have prior to Sumpter.

Award for Best Camp. Face goes to…

Weight Watchers is really taking advantage of singer Jennifer Hudson’s bold voice and new body and it is apparent in the full commercial ad above. Smart move. I would too. Hudson really shines as the face of a campaign. She is inspiring which the key ingredient to a campaign and sometimes inspiration is what gets you off the couch and into the gym.

Weight Watcher’s new Points Plus system is getting mixed reviews. Devoted members are frustrated with the new point system while others are excited about achieving results. In a NY Daily poll, 83% of people expressed their interest in trying the new program only if they could “look as good as Jennifer Hudson.” Proving my point that J Hudson was the best for the job. Who was it that said a Plus Size women can’t come out on top.

I especially admire this campaign because the results of the weight loss don’t highlight a cosmetic satisfaction but instead positive energy, self love, and a beautiful confidence. There is true partnership between Hudson and Weight Watchers. I commend both parties for strengthening their brands.

Check below for campaign photographs.